Is Jared Kushner quitting politics? Trump is angry with son-in-law and even blames him for loss, say sources
As former President Donald Trump drops one hint after the next that he is gearing up for a potential 2024 presidential bid, one crucial ex-adviser of his who was known for taking up a ton of responsibilities during his tenure at the White House might not be joining him the second time around as he has reportedly "checked out of politics" and that is Jared Kushner.
The 45th POTUS' son-in-law, who famously served as a senior adviser to Trump during his first and only term in office, acting almost as a micromanager, has tapped out. Several people who worked closely with Kushner at the White House or are familiar with his thought process told this to CNN anonymously. "Right now, he's just checked out of politics," one source said. Another source said that Kushner is currently enjoying "some much needed time with his family."
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Kushner only in for the win?
While an insider said that Kushner's "break" from politics had nothing to do with Trump's fluctuating popularity or the fact that he lost his reelection bid, critics have previously pointed out that even when he used to act as Trump's adviser he tended to be present for the wins and vanish from sight during scandals or the losses.
For example, back in 2017, when Trump's health care plan failed, Kushner and his family were vacationing on the slopes of Aspen, Colorado. Next year, they were vacationing in Florida amid the government shutdown. Even in 2019, when Trump was under fire for comments about Jews and Democrats, the couple was having downtime in Wyoming. Trump even noted the fact with a tweet of a photo of them on a break, writing, "Two incredible people. I can't believe they're not working (few work harder)!"
There is also the feeling that Kushner might be trying to distance himself from his father-in-law for good, to save his public image, especially after Trump refused to let go of the claim that the 2020 election was somehow stolen from him and ended up 'inciting' an insurrection at the Capitol on January 6 which claimed five lives. Another person familiar with the new chapter in Kushner's life said that he wanted closure and a fresh start which would not include advising his father-in-law on a daily basis.
Is Trump angry with Kushner?
Two other sources said that Kushner's conscious decision to distance himself from Trump could be due to the fact that the former president was telling those in his inner circle that he is angry with Kushner.
Trump convened people who he believes are his political brain trust for a meeting to discuss his political future late last week, which included names like former campaign manager Bill Stepien, adviser Jason Miller, former White House social media director Dan Scavino, Trump's son Donald Trump Jr. and another former campaign manager Brad Parscale. The meeting, which took place at Mar-a-Lago, Palm Beach, Florida, however, did not include Kushner. "That's about as 180 a turn as he could ever make," said a third person, who worked inside the Trump White House with Kushner. "This was a guy who for four years did everything on behalf of President Trump. He lived that job."
Apparently, the absence of Kushner was hint enough that Trump was not happy with his son-in-law. "It's not like Trump could fire his son-in-law, or give him a nickname and attack him on Twitter," said the person who worked inside the Trump White House. One of the sources even added that Trump faults Kushner for his loss in the 2020 election.
Kushner's family time
It seems like Kushner is following in the footsteps of his wife, who was also a senior adviser to Trump in the past. Ivanka Trump is apparently over the political bubble and she has told friends to not discuss things that have got anything to do with Washington with her.
In paparazzi photos, Kushner has been seen hanging out with Ivanka and his kids, out and about Miami, Florida, which is their current residence. On one occasion he was pictured shirtless taking a romantic stroll with Ivanka along a beach in Miami. The pair were captured together spending a relaxed day by the beach, strolling under the sun, lying on a pair of sunbeds, and reading books. In another instance, they were seen grabbing ice creams with their children to beat the heat.